A. Francis DiMeglio

A. Francis “Frank” DiMeglio was born in Providence, RI on January 3, 1931. Following a longstanding illness, he passed away suddenly at The Miriam Hospital on March 25, 2025. Frank was predeceased by his parents Antonio DiMeglio and Santina (Marsella) DiMeglio of Providence, RI, and sisters Madeline Ball (Jack) of Coventry, RI and Antonetta Philips (Edward-deceased) of Apple Valley, CA. He leaves behind his loving wife of 71 years, Rachel (Scannapieco) of Greenville, RI, his son John F. DiMeglio (Ruth) of North Providence, RI, his daughter Deborah A. DiMeglio (Sabine) of Kiel, Germany and a granddaughter Ellen Aurelio (Michael) of Milton, GA. In addition to many nieces and nephews, he is survived by one brother Joseph DiMeglio (Betty) of Narragansett, RI, and three sisters: Marie Girelli (Alex-deceased) of Manchester, CT, Janice Jones (Richard-deceased) of Hampden, MA and Virginia McLaughlin (Bob) of Coventry, RI.

Frank lived for his family and enjoyed a long and distinguished career as a nuclear engineer. He was gifted with a great memory. His love of physics began at Classical High School. As a physics major and Student Aid Physicist at Providence College, he completed a government internship at the Underwater Sound Laboratory in New London, CT, and was offered a job upon graduation in 1952. The following year, he married Rachel and enrolled as a graduate student at the University of Rochester in New York.

Between 1953 and 1962: Frank completed an internship at the Brookhaven National Laboratory on Long Island; he was accepted by the US Navy to attend the Oak Ridge School of Reactor Technology in Oak Ridge, TN; and became the Assistant Reactor Supervisor at the US Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, DC. During these years, Frank and Rachel’s two children were born.

In 1962, Frank, Rachel and their children moved back to Rhode Island. He built and was appointed as the Director of the Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center, situated on the University of Rhode Island Bay Campus, and held that position until his retirement in 1990. Frank was known for his extensive knowledge of Nuclear Regulatory Commission regulations pertaining to research reactors, and was an expert in the design, construction and operation of research reactors. In 1975, he became Chairman of TRTR- the National Organization of Test, Research & Training Reactors. Never one to stop working, he kept in touch with his US colleagues and was invited to attend, lead and speak at numerous international nuclear conferences. A highlight of his marriage with Rachel and his professional career, were the years served with IAEA--the International Atomic Energy Association in Vienna, Austria.

Generous with his time, Frank was always ready and available to help his family, neighbors and friends. Growing up with a father who was a master builder and several contractor uncles, he crafted many beautiful pieces of furniture for his family, and on weekends over a period of many years, worked tirelessly with his son to redesign and rebuild his son’s home. Frank enjoyed reading a good book, eating good food, listening to opera, planting flowers and trees around his home and working outdoors. He loved the ocean, learned how to sail, and with Rachel, took many long drives to Maine and the beaches of Rhode Island.

Frank was hardworking and independent to the end. He was a man of faith and will be missed.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Monday, March 31, 2025, 10 a.m. at St. Pius V Catholic Church, Eaton Street, Providence. A burial will be in St. Francis Cemetery, Pawtucket.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Frank’s memory may be made to St. Pius V Catholic Church in Providence, RI.